In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket is unavailable in the United States, France, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and several other sanctioned or restricted territories. Most of Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia can access the platform — but local gambling or financial regulations may still apply.
A frequent inquiry from traders entering the market: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory environment governing gambling and finance in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through geolocation verification and identity verification protocols) across these regions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC agreement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — territories under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further regulatory constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own local requirements:
| Country | Access | Local Restriction |
| UK | Yes | FCA may classify as regulated activity |
| Germany | Yes | GlüStV gambling treaty applies |
| Canada | Yes | Provincial gaming rules vary |
| Australia | Limited | Interactive Gambling Act restrictions |
| India | Yes | State-level gambling laws vary |
| Japan | Yes (not blocked) | Gambling Code may prohibit participation |
Countries Where Polymarket Works Without Major Issues
Users across the following areas typically experience unimpeded access: remaining EU member states (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Paraguay, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions using virtual private networks. This approach involves considerable danger: Polymarket mandates identity verification using official documentation, and submitting a US passport or state ID while routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity surfaces during subsequent identity confirmation checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a customised interface featuring clear regulatory frameworks and user-friendly fund withdrawal mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →